Geek School: Windows 7 Upgrades and Migrations

Windows 7 Upgrades and Migrations: A Certification Perspective

This article, the second in our Geek School series, details the processes of upgrading to and migrating to Windows 7. The focus is on the knowledge required for certification exams.

Don't forget to explore the other articles published thus far in this series:

Introducing How-To Geek School
Configuring Devices
Managing Disks

Many of you likely have experience installing or upgrading to Windows 7. However, exam preparation centers on understanding version compatibility and available migration utilities, rather than simply performing the installation steps.

Upgrade vs. Migrate: Understanding the Options

When transitioning to Windows 7 from an existing operating system, two primary paths exist: upgrading or migrating. The feasibility of each approach is determined by your current operating system.

The key distinction lies in how user data and settings are handled. An upgrade typically preserves existing files and configurations, while a migration often involves a clean installation with data transfer.

Understanding these differences is crucial for certification. Knowing which operating systems are eligible for direct upgrades, and when a migration is necessary, is a common exam topic.

Furthermore, familiarity with the tools used for both upgrades and migrations – and their specific functionalities – is essential for success.

Upgrades

Following the release of Windows 7, Microsoft established a policy restricting direct operating system upgrades primarily to installations of Windows Vista. Even within this scope, certain limitations apply.

Specifically, the available upgrade paths are contingent upon the existing version of Windows Vista installed on the computer. A detailed breakdown of compatible upgrades is presented below.

Upgrade Compatibility Chart

Windows Vista Home Basic: Upgradable to Windows 7 Home Premium and Ultimate.
Windows Vista Home Premium: Upgradable to Windows 7 Home Premium and Ultimate.
Windows Vista Business: Upgradable to Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate.
Windows Vista Ultimate: Upgradable to Windows 7 Ultimate only.

A simple method for recalling this information is to recognize that an upgrade must be to an equivalent or higher version of Windows 7.

For instance, a direct upgrade from Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Home Premium is not permissible.

Furthermore, cross-architecture upgrades are not supported.

If a 32-bit version of Windows Vista is currently running, the upgrade must also be to a 32-bit version of Windows 7. The same principle applies to 64-bit installations.

Should a transition between 32-bit and 64-bit architectures be required, a migration process, rather than a direct upgrade, will be necessary.

Notably, the hardware requirements for Windows 7 are largely consistent with those of Windows Vista.

Therefore, a computer capable of running Windows Vista is generally also capable of running Windows 7.

Operating System Migrations

Even if your current system isn't Windows Vista, migration options still exist. Specifically, users of Windows XP can transition to Windows 7. Two distinct approaches are available for this process. Let's explore each method in detail.

Parallel Migration

A parallel migration requires two computers: the existing PC running Windows XP and a new PC with a fresh Windows 7 installation. Tools like Windows Easy Transfer (WET) or the User State Migration Tool (USMT) facilitate the transfer of your user profile and data between the machines. This data transfer can be accomplished either across a network connection or using a USB drive.

Clean Install Migration

The clean install migration method utilizes only a single computer. It involves backing up your Windows XP profile and data—using either WET or USMT—to a storage location such as a network share or a USB flash drive. Subsequently, the system is formatted, and a clean installation of Windows 7 is performed. Finally, the backed-up data is restored.

It’s important to note that migrating between operating systems differs from a standard in-place upgrade. A closer examination of these differences will be provided.

Understanding the Distinction Between Upgrades and Migrations

A key difference between an upgrade and a migration lies in the scope of data carried over from the previous system to the new one.

During an upgrade process, all existing components are moved. This includes installed applications, personal user profiles, customized settings, and all stored files.

Upgrade: A Seamless Transition

An upgrade aims for continuity. It preserves the existing software environment alongside the operating system update.

Essentially, an upgrade is a refinement of the current setup, enhancing functionality without requiring substantial re-establishment of the user's digital workspace.

Migration: A Fresh Start with Data

Conversely, a migration focuses on transferring only the essential user data.

Specifically, a migration will move your user profile and files, but necessitates a complete reinstallation of all applications.

This approach provides a cleaner system, free from potentially conflicting older software versions, but demands more user effort in reconfiguring their applications.

Upgrade: Transfers applications, profiles, settings, and files.
Migration: Transfers only profiles and files; applications require reinstallation.

Therefore, the choice between an upgrade and a migration depends on the desired level of disruption and the need for a completely refreshed software environment.

Data Migration Tools

When it comes to transferring data, two primary utilities are available: Windows Easy Transfer and the User State Migration Tool. Functionally, these tools are equivalent in their capabilities.

The key distinction lies in their interface. USMT operates via a scriptable command line, offering flexibility for automated processes. Conversely, Windows Easy Transfer provides a graphical user interface (GUI) wizard for simpler operation.

Deployment Scenarios

Due to its scripting capabilities, the User State Migration Tool (USMT) is typically favored in large-scale enterprise environments. This allows for consistent and automated data migration across numerous machines.

Windows Easy Transfer, with its user-friendly GUI, is better suited for home users and small businesses where complex scripting isn't required. It simplifies the migration process for individual users or smaller deployments.

Migrating User Data with Windows Easy Transfer

The process of utilizing Windows Easy Transfer is remarkably straightforward. To begin, insert your Windows 7 installation disc into the source computer and navigate to the following directory:

D:\support\migwiz

Subsequently, execute the file named migwiz.exe.

The application will immediately present the types of data that can be transferred to the new computer. Proceed by clicking 'Next' to continue the setup.

Several methods are available for transferring your settings. For this example, we will focus on the USB-based transfer option.

Interestingly, even when selecting the USB method, the system requests confirmation that the current computer is indeed the older one.

The selection screen displays the data to be transferred. In this instance, approximately 5Kb of text files are designated for migration to the new Windows installation. Clicking 'Next' prompts you to choose a save location for the transfer file.

Select your USB drive and allow the system to export all designated data. Once the export process is finished, transfer the USB drive to the new Windows 7 computer and run the created file.

The migration wizard will launch automatically, enabling you to select the specific items you wish to import.

The import process will then commence. Allow sufficient time for completion.

Upon completion, you have the option to review the items that were successfully transferred.

As illustrated, the user account and 25 documents were successfully migrated.

Assignments and Further Learning

Similar to a traditional educational setting, supplementary assignments are provided for your benefit. It's important to familiarize yourself with the following points.

Thoroughly review the documentation for the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, and ideally, test its functionality firsthand.
Consider whether direct upgrades are supported between different editions of Windows 7.
Investigate the capabilities of the User State Migration Tool.

Further information will be presented tomorrow, focusing on device configuration within the Windows 7 operating system.

Should any inquiries arise, feel free to reach out via Twitter @taybgibb, or simply post a comment below.